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Winter Parking the charger

4K views 13 replies 7 participants last post by  done 
#1 ·
So with the charger now being an summer car only, I was just wondering what you all do in terms of storage. It’s being parking in our common building garage with the other owners so it’s protected that way but we don’t have any electrical plugs (it’s always +25 down there) for any battery chargers. My thought is to start it up once or twice a week, back it out of the stall and I can drive about 60 feet to the other end of the garage, reverse it back and park it again.

Since it will be sitting for at least 6 months, should I be doing anything else? The car alarmed and I just had the fluids changed (Oil was done with Pennzoil platinum like always last week). We might throw the winter tires on just so we don’t get dead spots on the summer tires.

Any thoughts would be appreciated as I have never parked a car before (always drove it through the seasons).

Mike
 
#2 ·
Some tips:
Starting it up for brief periods is the worst thing you can do. There is no valid reason to do otherwise.

If the vehicle's storage temperature is actually a constant 25C, simply disconnect the battery and leave it be. Disconnection eliminates the ongoing current draw by onboard modules that will kill all batteries after a couple of months (every time a lead acid is driven to a fully discharged state - significant service life is removed). Depending on battery health, a relatively new battery will have lower internal resistance, thus hold it's charge longer. The reverse is true for a battery on it's last legs. Simply measuring no-load voltage will dictate whether you need to take it upstairs and (manually) charge it. If you do take it upstairs, do not - repeat - do not(!) use a trickle charger (24/7 low current flow sulphates the cells / plates reducing service life and / or just kills batteries). If you insist on using any sort of BATT maintenance device - make sure to choose a unit that burst charges (e.g. 10A), stops and only activates again once it detects internal resistance has once again dropped the voltage to the point it needs to repeat the process.

Change the oil and whatever other fluids just prior to parking it. This is more important than most people realize, as those (new) detergents are doing their job - even though the vehicle is not being operated.

Today's tire technology does not develop permanent flat spots. In fact there is no need to "elevate" or compensate for in any way except ensure they are all at proper pressure.

Clean and wax it or use a good lightweight cover that is secured (does not shift easily which in of itself can chaff the decorative surfaces). Underground garages and the ambient environment are notorious for compromising decorative surfaces (like your paint).

Finally, ensure your fuel tank is as full as you can get it (fill and park it).
 
#4 ·
#7 ·
With a full tank it will prevent condensation from setting in but it’s also a bit of protection against varnish and separation or what ever this new gas does. I know it breaks down quicker then the old formula. And for what it costs it’s a no brainer.
But I have to admit I don’t use the stuff and mine is parked all winter from the first snow fall to spring


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#11 ·
Problem there is - although the fuel tank is full, the diaphragm-driven carburetors all have easy access to ambient air and oxidation / evaporation.
 
#13 ·
Thanks Everyone

Our parking garage is always at least 25C checked it when we had those super cold days and yep toasty 25 (the heating pipes run along the roof so helps keeps it warm) and I was planning on keeping the tank full of premium (it's what I run all the time) and make sure it's all cleaned up before parking. Might try to grab a cover but the few vehicles that were covered in my garage, folks seem to get nosy and peek under the covers or even try to break into the car thinking it's something special inside. Disconnecting the car is a good idea and I will do that also as a security measure.

I am also lucky that no one parks on either side of me so gives it some space but I will keep an eye on it but depending on how the weather is, I might take it out for a early morning drive before others are out on the road, give it a wash and top up the tank.
 
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